> I've toyed with the idea of getting an All-in-one solution... radio(CD,DVD,USB etc), GPS, backup/side camera unit. They look like an elegant
> solution.
> ...But, if anything goes wrong with the unit they are usually not economically repairable so you must throw the whole thing out and replace it at
> high cost.
> - GPS mapping upgrades is usually at a cost (just like OEM systems), not free like most stand alone units. You will likely find that any upgrades
> are few and far between. The unit is "No longer supported" in a short period of time.
> - Changing screens between applications can be a pain in the butt.
> So, I'm sticking with separate units. Radio (entertainment), GPS, and backup camera... each with their own screen.
>
> Just my 2 cents.
Bruce,
If that is 2 Cents Canadian???
All seriousness aside, I am very much with Bruce on this. If you have multiple things in the same case, you had better be ready to live with none of
them...
Also, even as we "co-drive" having the GPS on the top on the IP means that driver has it is view all the time. We have found this to be valuable.
Most Garmin now show the local speed limit (with some limited accuracy)and are easily changed from MPH to KPH when we go north. (Hope this happens
soon.) They also can give nice advance warning of interchange and exit lane preference. If you have the route loaded, that is. That kind of needs to
be in the driver's face.
Our dash radio came onboard shortly after we got Chaumière (it is old)and while it will play all kinds of music disks and 700k disk loaded with MP3s
seems to play for days, it also has a line level audio input. So, we may use the output of a phone or the navigator's laptop (with a large SSD) to
provide road music that can be changed at a whim.
My main system calendar reminds me to update the family GPS on a quarterly basis. If a Garmin is labeled as a "LM" version these updates are free but
I am told that they tend to run out after 10 years. None of ours in current travel service are that old - Yet. Short warning about this, do it
before departure or somewhere that internet is fast and free.
We haven't thought to long or hard about back up cameras yet.
Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
